Statewide coalition applauds forward-looking investments
in job creation and economic diversification
[Santa Fe, NM] - Today, the Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83) passed the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee 5-2.
The Innovation in State Government Fund (Senate Bill 83), sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, strengthens state capacity by equipping agencies with the resources and expertise needed to lead in sustainable energy innovation. This is a key element for growing new job opportunities for New Mexicans in a more stable, diversified economy. Senate Bill 83:
Creates a fund and appropriates $10 million to its purpose
Invests in workforce by funding comprehensive training programs for highly skilled roles in emerging industries
Promotes a variety of economic activities to lessen reliance on industries that extract natural resources, helping to stabilize the state's economy
Strengthens the capacity of state agencies to reduce pollution and boost clean energy initiatives
Ensures accountability with annual reports on progress
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced an executive order to expedite New Mexico's transition to a clean energy economy and address the critical need for infrastructure development across the state in September 2024. Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart pointed out during the committee hearing that Senate Bill 83 will support agencies as they work to achieve this task.
"An important point to be made with this bill is that it supports climate related job creation," said Travis Kellerman, the Governor's Senior Climate Advisor during public comment in support of Senate Bill 83. "This is something we initiated last year with the executive order that created thousands of apprenticeships across the state related to a climate ready workforce. It unlocks new federal and private investments in these positions and sets us up to be competitive to gain this funding. It's time to build more economic resilience with the agency resources and planning in this bill."
Taken together, the Innovation in State Government Fund, the Community Benefit Fund (Senate Bill 48) and the Clear Horizons Act (Senate Bill 4) will provide the regulatory certainty, financial investment, and state capacity needed to build a sustainable, resilient future for New Mexico. These important bills are sponsored by President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Senator Stewart. The Innovation in Government Fund passed the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee 6-4, the Senate Finance Committee 6-3 and the Senate 26-14.
"By developing strategic plans at the executive level to ensure as we look to address climate change, we preserve our cultural heritage while also understanding that there is a need for clean, sustainable jobs," said Teran Villa with NM Native Vote during public comment in support of SB83.
Learn more about why advocates are supporting these vital investments in local projects and jobs growth at ClearHorizonsNM.org.
The Clear Horizons New Mexico Coalition is a partnership of New Mexicans across the state from 35 climate, equity, social justice, and conservation organizations and businesses that are raising their voice in unison for climate action in the Land of Enchantment. At Clear Horizons, we celebrate our promise and commitment to keeping New Mexico beautiful and prosperous for everyone, now and in the future. Organizations and businesses include: 350 New Mexico, American Lung Association in New Mexico, Center for Civic Policy, Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy, Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Creciendo Nuevo Mexico, Devil's Spring Ranch, E2 - Environmental Entrepreneurs, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, GreenLatinos, GRID Alternatives, Healthy Climate New Mexico, Moms Clean Air Force New Mexico chapter, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light, NM CAFe, NM Climate Investment Center, NM Native Vote, New Mexico Sustainable Business, New Mexico Voices for Children, NMVC Action Fund, Positive Energy Solar, ProgressNow New Mexico, Prosperity Works, Renewable Energy Industries Association of NM, San Juan Citizens Alliance, Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter, Sovereign Energy, SWEEP (Southwest Energy Efficiency Project), the Semilla Project, Western Environmental Law Center, Western Leaders Network, and Western Resource Advocates.
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Media Contacts:
Jessie Sanchez - Center for Civic Policy,
Charles de Saillan - Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy,
Justin Garoutte - Conservation Voters New Mexico,
Alison Wenzel - EDF Action,
Addison Wingate - NRDC,
Ona Porter - Prosperity Works,
Camilla Feibelman - Sierra Club,
Erik Schlenker-Goodrich - Western Environmental Law Center,
Ona Porter - Prosperity Works,
James Quirk - Western Resource Advocates,
Mayane Barudin - Sovereign Energy,
Shelley Mann-Lev - Healthy Climate New Mexico,
Carlos Matutes - GreenLatinos,
Christian Casillas - Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico,
